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Question
Hi I am working wiht a student who has autism and he tears pictures or posters of the walls at school. Do you know why he does this? Also do you think headphones are an answer for cutting down distraction. Thank You, Lynn
Lynn,
Destructive behaviors are fairly common among children with Autism. No one know why, it just happens sometimes. Professional behaviorists from the school district should assess the child and prepare a plan of action to help reduce bad behaviors. It will involve you being trained to better help the student.
Earphones can help some students. They are most commonly used with ADD/ADHD students. You need to use the experts in your school district to help you better serve this child. The child should be assessed by a school psychologist, a behaviorist, and probably a speech therapist, an OT and maybe an APE and a specialist in assistive technology (for earphone evaluation). Often kids with autism need some or all of these services. He may already have been assessed.
No matter what, you should review his IEP with the teacher to determine how best you can serve this student. I applaud you for wanting to do what is best for this student.
I wish you the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)
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Answers by Expert:
Tim Runner
Expertise
Questions concerning autistic student special education: IEP, assessments, Due Process, mediation, resolution conference, federal law, state law, qualifying for services, residential treatment, special day classes, resource specialists, procedures, having your child assessed, adaptive PE, speech & language, non-public school, FAPE, tuition reimbursement for private schools and treatment centers .
Experience
I have been an education advocate representing students and parents for six years. My experience includes: representing my clients in IEPs, SSTs, Due Process, review assessment results for my clients and for other advocates, and mediations. I have represented clients with learning disabilities, autism, Downs Syndrome, cognitively challenged, emotional problems, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and physical disabilities. I have also represented clients to County Mental Health Departments and Regional Centers. My clients range from pre-school to college students in California and various other states.
Education/Credentials
I have a degree in Mathematics from the University of California with minors in Psychology and Physics. I also studied applied statistics in the field of psychology at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I have taught college classes, conducted seminars, written articles for various publications, and testified as an expert witness.
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